interpack Special – Technology: Equipment Innovation Drivers

By Catalina Mihu On May 4, 2017

As consumers have become accustomed to being entertained, especially when it comes to snacking (that also have to be healthy), interpack promises to deliver on technology solutions that are opportunities to turn bakery goods and biscuits into a true experience.

The Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA – Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau) is the conceptual partner of interpack and supports Messe Düsseldorf in all market relevant issues. The association synthesized the core conversation topics pertaining to technology, which also stand true for the baking industry.

Energy and resource efficiency

“Energy and resource efficiency have many facets” is among them. In the light of declining traditional resources, innovative solutions are seeking alternatives in the processing and packaging technology. “Intelligent control and automation engineering, economical actuators, compressors, fans or pumps are classic solutions to save power and resources, and to increase energy efficiency. Efficient engines that are optimally adapted to the movements and acceleration processes of the machine reduce power consumption. When using a whole variety of servo motors within a packaging machine, these share their braking energy in a common DC intermediate circuit,” VDMA illustrates. Overall, “optimized processes and structural changes that affect the process as a whole are rather more promising” than the sole focus on energy-efficient drives, says the association.

Innovative processes save energy

Processes for producing foods, such as heating, cooking tempering, cooling, etc., use up a lot of energy. VDMA exemplifies: “The necessary process heat for the production of baked goods must use a lot of energy. Optimizing the manufacturing process therefore offers a large energy savings potential. Intelligent controls reduce the energy consumption of ovens by up to 50% or more (depending on the type of oven).”

Economical use of water is yet another driver in technology innovations, as it is not only needed for the process itself (followed by cleaning), it is also contained in the finished product.

Doing more with less

Consumers today make a choice for or against a brand due to environmental criteria. This impacts the size and weight of packaging in general, as “The buzzword here is light weighting. Weight reduction helps to save raw materials and energy, optimizes handling and reduces transportation costs.” For this, the use of ultrasonic sealing also saves packaging material, says VDMA: “By using cheaper and thinner films, it is possible to save up to 30% of material, as well as costs.”